WEN 56012
A wide plate for homeowners and small crews doing driveways and large patios on a budget. Expect the force to be lower than the box says.
Amazon $749.99$749.99
The WEN 56012 is the better plate compactor overall, rated 4.1 to 3.4. The WEN 56012 leads on plate. The WEN 56096 costs $150 less ($599.99 vs $749.99).
WEN 56096
#11 in Plate compactorsFull review
A light, low-cost plate for homeowners laying a patio or walkway base. It rolls on its own wheels and carries a two-year home warranty.
Amazon $599.99$599.99
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the WEN 56012 for plate (377 sq in (17.7 x 21.3 in) vs 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every plate compactors plate compactor; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | WEN 56012 | WEN 56096 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 91 $182.92 per 1,000 lbf ($749.99, 4,100 lbf credited) | 82 $227.27 per 1,000 lbf ($599.99, 2,640 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 87 4,100 lbf credited of 4,496 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 205 lb) | 38 2,640 lbf credited of 3,350 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 132 lb) |
| Plate 10% | 71 377 sq in (17.7 x 21.3 in) | 18 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in) |
| Build 15% | 30 wheel kit included | 30 wheel kit included |
| Warranty 20% | 67 2-year warranty | 67 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| WEN 56012 | WEN 56096 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 4,496 lbf | 3,350 lbf |
| Credited force | 4,100 lbf (capped) | 2,640 lbf (capped) |
| Plate or shoe | 17.7 x 21.3 in | 13.8 x 17.8 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 5,500 vpm | 5,700 vpm |
| Travel speed | 60 ft/min | 125 ft/min |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | WEN 212cc | WEN 196cc |
| Power | 7 hp | 6.5 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | No | No |
| Wheel kit included | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 205 lb | 132 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |